Cheap Birthday Party Ideas That Are Still Big on Fun

Looking for cheap birthday party ideas that don't skimp on fun? Check out these tips to help you celebrate in style while sticking to your budget.


 

Throwing a fun filled birthday party without spending a fortune can sometimes feel impossible. With the cost of almost everything rising it really starts to add up - and fast, but there are tons of ways to save money on your next party and even score some free birthday stuff. 

You can host a fun, memorable party for $100 to $200 if you keep food simple, use free venues, and opt for DIY decorations. Bigger parties might stretch to $200 to $300, but it's still far less than renting venues or hiring entertainers.

Check out some of my favorite cheap birthday party ideas (like where to find free helium for balloons) and let's make that party feel more within reach.

Cheap Kids Birthday Party Ideas: Party Themes

Picking a theme for a party is usually the first step (not all parties need themes though, so no worries if you don't have one). Think about who the party is for and what they enjoy, so you know where to start and it'll make the planning a little easier. 

1. DIY Carnival

Can you imagine the faces of the kids walking into a backyard carnival? I would have loved that when I was younger (and maybe even now that I'm older lol). I know what you're thinking, a carnival sounds expensive. But it doesn't have to be - with a little creativity and some items you already have at home, it's totally doable. 

Every carnival needs some fun games and exciting prizes. I think games like ring toss (use any kind of small necked bottles & rope for the rings), bean bag throw (use dry beans & sew up old wash rags) and sack races (grab some old pillowcases) would be perfect for kids of any age.

Visit your local Dollar General or Five Below to find some fun and low-cost options for prizes such as bubbles, candy, sunglasses, bouncy balls etc. I've seen packs of medals (like in the Olympics) in the toy section.

2. Nature Adventure

If your kid loves the outdoors, then throwing a Nature Adventure party might just be the way to go and you can get it done on the cheap. You can use items you find outside for the decorations (think flowers, twigs, vines, bark, leaves) and snacks like ants on a log to keep costs low.

Set up a pinecone decorating station and let the kids go wild with funny googly eyes, felt, paint and pipe cleaners.

Think about planning a scavenger hunt with nature themed things like leaves, acorns, feathers, smooth rocks and moss as some of the items they have to look for.

3. Movie Magic

I think this one is such a cool idea for a birthday party and who wouldn't enjoy the excitement of the big screen in their own home? Use your own TV or ask your library or school about borrowing a projector and toss up an old sheet as the backdrop for the screen. 

Then set up some cozy seating by using your couch cushions, outdoor furniture cushions or pillows. Grab some movie snacks like popcorn (many dollar stores sell popcorn buckets), candy and sodas or juice boxes and choose your child's favorite movie to help bring it all together and complete that cinema experience.

Save Money on Venues

Location, location, location. Where you choose to throw your party is almost as important as the party itself and while there are tons of places to hold your event, most are going to make your party costs double (yikes!).

The most cost-effective place to host a party is at your own home or a friend or family member's home. If you can't do that, then think about places in your neighborhood such as community centers, state parks, playgrounds, libraries or local parks.

1. Local Community Centers

Community Centers provide a lot of party needs without a lot of cost and that's a big selling point. You can usually rent a multipurpose room that comes with tables, chairs and sometimes even kitchen access (which can help keep food costs down). For a 4-hour rental, prices typically run from $50 - $150 and depending on your budget, a community center may be a good choice.

2. A Public Park

A public park is a great option for a party venue. You can often rent a pavilion for free or cheap and they already have built-in entertainment like swings, jungle gyms, slides and open spaces.

Just be sure to check with the local park district or municipal recreation department for availability (some allow you to rent a year in advance), rental fees (residents may get a reduced cost) and any rules or permit requirements (most have rules on alcohol).

3. Home Sweet Home

When it comes to saving money on venues, throwing a party in your own home (or a friend or family members) is where you'll find the most savings. There are no rental fees, you can make decorations, homemade food will keep your food costs down and you have everything you need at your fingertips.

If you have an outdoor space, you can have the party outdoors or make that space part of the party - allowing guests to move around and giving the kids enough space for dancing or for games like musical chairs or freeze tag. 

Cost-Saving Tips for Invitations and Party Decorations

Invitations and decorations can make a party feel extra special, but those costs can easily dig into your budget. Thankfully you don't have to spend a ton to help make your party feel festive. Try some of these easy ways to cut costs without cutting corners:

• Send digital invites instead of printing them
• Make your own decorations with things you already have. For my daughter's unicorn party, I bought one pack of themed plates, then used solid-color napkins and cups from the dollar store to match. Guests thought it was a full theme set, but it cost half as much.
• Repurpose items into fun, one of a kind party pieces

A few smart swaps like these can help you to save money while still making your party feel totally memorable.

1. Digital Invitations

Sites like Evite and Punchbowl are free to use and make it easy to track RSVPs and send reminders. Plus, there's no paper waste.

2. Handmade Decorations

Handmade decorations add a personal touch and it's a fun way to get your kid involved. Just grab some paper, markers, balloons (whatever you've got) and let your imagination run wild.

3. Upcycled Party Decor

Before you buy anything new, check what you have lying around the house. Mason jars can make great vases, turn cardboard into photo booth props and use leftover fabric for banners. You can even check free stuff apps for items you can repurpose.

Budget-Friendly Food and Drink Ideas

Food and drinks can eat up a big chunk of your party budget if you're not careful, but there are ways to help keep costs down while still providing something tasty for your guests.

Be sure to check out our top restaurants for free birthday food to help celebrate your special day.

1. DIY Snack Bar

Think about setting out a mix of grab and go snacks like cheese and crackers, chips, veggies with dip and popcorn with different seasonings. You can buy many of these items in bulk to save even more. Plus, the kids will love picking what they want.

2. Homemade Pizza Party

Everybody loves pizza, so a homemade pizza party is a great option. You could grab some pre-made crusts, set out toppings like cheese, pepperoni and veggies and then let the kids build their own. It's cheaper than ordering out and would make for a cool activity.

Visit our pizza coupons and deals to help save you more on pizza night.

3. Simple Birthday Cake & Desserts

When it comes to desserts, kids are easy - if it's sweet and sugary they usually like it (maybe this applies for adults too lol). So, skip that pricey bakery cake and bake one at home or whip up a batch of cupcakes or brownies. You can pick the flavors, add decorations and if needed, make them allergy friendly. Pro Tip: I've noticed that Aldi and Walmart now offer ready-to-bake cookie and brownie platters for under $10. Pair that with ice cream, and you've got a birthday “cake” that's unique and budget-friendly.

Inexpensive Entertainment Options

You can keep kids entertained without spending big. Just try some of these simple low cost ideas to keep the fun going without blowing your entire budget.

1. Classic Party Games

You can't go wrong with the classics. Play games like Duck Duck Goose, Red Rover or Pin the Tail on the Donkey. They need almost no setup or equipment and you can even tweak them to match your party's theme.

2. Arts and Crafts Station

Create a table with markers, stickers and some simple craft supplies. Let the kids decorate canvas bags, make keychains or paint rocks to take home. It's fun, keeps them busy and can even double as a party favor.

3. Storytime and Puppet Shows

For the younger kids, you can create a story corner or put on a puppet show. You can even pick books that fit your parties theme.

4. Movie Night Party

Stream a favorite movie, make popcorn, and hand out glow sticks.

Low-Cost Party Favors

Party favors are a sweet way to thank guests, but they can get pricey fast. Luckily, there are tons of ways to say thanks for coming without overspending. Here are a few of my favorite ideas.  

1. DIY Goodie Bags

Pick up some small treats and trinkets like stickers, mini bubbles, temporary tattoos and toss them into simple paper bags. You can even bake a few goodies to add a personal touch and let your kid help pack them up as a fun pre-party activity.

2. Crafty Keepsakes

Make the favor into a party activity. Set up a craft table and have kids can make keychains, decorate canvas pouches or have them go on a treasure hunt for painted rocks. It's entertainment and a take home gift rolled into one (double bonus).

3. Bulk Buy Bargains

Buy your party favor items in bulk. Stop by places like BJ's Wholesale Membership and grab small toys, crayons, stickers, notebooks and puzzles. This can save you a ton and there's usually a deal or discount when you buy in bulk. 

Bubbles, coloring books, or even pencils can cost under $1 each when bought in bulk.

Additional Money-Saving Party Tips

We've already covered some of the most common ways to get free birthday stuff, but here's a few more ways to help you keep birthday costs down without cutting out all the fun.

1. Limit the Guest List

Keeping the guest list small makes everything easier. There's less food, fewer supplies and way less chaos. If you can, shoot for around 10 kids. It's more manageable and gives you a chance to actually enjoy the party instead of just running it.

2. Share the Celebration

If your kid's birthday is close to a friend's or a family member's, ask about throwing a joint party. It means you can split the costs and share the planning. It's a win for both families.

3. Plan Ahead

Planning ahead is probably the biggest money saving tip. It gives you time to hunt for deals on items you need for the party, use your coupons and wait to grab stuff on sale. It also saves you from the stress of having to make those last-minute trips to the store (we've all been there).